A rogue cop who was a key member of a notorious Brooklyn gang that specialized in robbing and killing drug dealers is set to take the stand this week in the double murder trial of one of his former cohorts. Anthony Trotman, who once pulled a sweatsuit over his uniform and robbed a jewelry store while on duty, will testify in the double murder trial of Kingsley (Lee) Bernard.
The trial of Bernard, 27, who already is in prison for rape, caps an extensive five-year investigation into the Brooklyn-based crew, which took its name from its fearsome leader, Vere (Joker) Padmore.
A dozen members of the crew, which killed at least 11 people and robbed hundreds more, are now behind bars - including Trotman and his former 77th Precinct partner, Jamil Jordan.
"This violent, murderous crew terrorized New York City for more than 10 years with the help of two dirty cops," said Assistant U.S. Attorney Todd Harrison, who is prosecuting the case in Brooklyn Federal Court.
Federal prosecutors say Bernard shot his upstairs neighbor, Bernard Graham, after a fight on March 30, 1998. Then, on Feb. 25, 2000, Bernard allegedly killed suspected drug dealer Orland (Sponge) Davis, who was rumored to have a safe full of cash in his Canarsie, Brooklyn, apartment.
"Kingsley Bernard is a very dangerous man," said a police source close to the case.
Bernard also is being tried for a crime he allegedly committed with Trotman: The shocking kidnapping of a Bronx drug dealer who was allegedly tortured with a hot knife in a Brooklyn basement until his family paid a $20,000 ransom.
Trotman and Jordan were key members of the gang, which committed murders, armed robberies, home invasions and kidnappings in Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Nassau County and New Jersey. They once plotted to assassinate former Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Alonso and a fellow cop, Detective Mike Paul, prosecutors said.
Trotman wore a wire to help feds nail Jordan, who is now doing 13 years in prison for robbing drug dealers at gunpoint.
Padmore, who is serving 36 years in prison after pleading guilty to a 1997 triple murder, dressed as a woman and spent two years on the lam after jumping bail. He was captured in 2001 and sentenced in February.
Bernard's brother also is facing trial on federal murder, robbery and racketeering charges. Rasene (Fox) Myton has been convicted or robbery and kidnapping charges but is now facing murder charges along with his brother.
Last week, a federal judge ordered the siblings to go on trial separately.
DAILY NEWS POLICE BUREAU CHIEF
11/3/03